Four from Motherwell on international duty

David Clarkson will be looking to add to his tally for Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers against Holland on Saturday (Setanta at 2045) and the following week against Iceland (Wednesday, Sky Sports2 at 2000). He has two appearances to date, a scoring debut against Croatia and against Argentina.

Stephen Craigan is likely to add to his impressive haul of international appearances when Northern Ireland face Poland on Saturday (Sky Sports1 at 1715) then Slovenia on Wednesday (Sky Sports3 at 1845). Both games are WC qualifiers and both are in Belfast.

Jamie Murphy is in the Scottish squad for the U21 back to back qualifiers against Albania. The first is away on Saturday afternoon and the second is at the Falkirk Stadium on Wednesday (Sky Sports 2 at 1730).

Cillian Sheridan will be hoping to feature in the Irish U21 friendly against Spain on Friday evening (live on Sky Sports 3 at 1945) before Tuesday's UEFA qualifier against Spain. Our loan striker is looking for his second cap at this level following his first appearance earlier this season. Both games take place in the republic.

International breaks can be a mixed blessing. Most of the squad have a chance for some rest and recuperation while others have to take the risk of a punishing schedule. Let's hope everyone returns fit and well for the next SPL game against Aberdeen at Fir Park on April 4.